Ebay dept collection agency

[bloodys-59]

Hello, I have been sent a letter to my old address in the uk (I’m currently living in Australia) from a debt collection agency requesting me to pay them for money owed to eBay. This payment dates back to the beginning of last year when I sold an inflatable bath tub. The buyer had bought this item opened and used it then opened a case with eBay as apparently the item “didn’t fit” even though the dimensions were clearly stated in the description. I do accept returns but only if the item is returned in the same condition, the buyer had opened and used the item and this was a clear case that they had changed their mind and had not read the description properly. EBay sided with the buyer and allowed them to return the item, which I told an eBay representative that I didn’t want the item back as it had been used. The eBay representative said I had to accept the return and wait until I received the item to see if it had been used or not even though I provided screenshots of the buyer admitting to using the item.

Once I received the item back in a damaged box. I opened the package after taking photos and found the item surely enough in a used condition still wet! I also took photos of the item and contacted another eBay representative explaining what had happened and said that I do not want to refund them the money as they haven’t returned the item in the same condition. The eBay representative response was that I had to refund them the money still and that I could just wash it and list it as new again (not sure how they think that’s okay)

I have sold on Ebay for years with thousands of sold items and have delt with my fair share of scammers and cases. But over the last few years the amount of these cases have gotten out of control and eBay provides no protection to their sellers. Normally I would just take the loss and refund the buyer but this one really annoyed me as the item had been used and returned wet in a damaged box. I did make a complaint and was told I would have a response within 72hrs which I never received.

After this case was closed in the buyers favour I decided I was done with eBay and them allowing these people on their platform as it’s just not worth selling on the platform anymore. I told eBay this and said I will not be refunding them. Now I have been contacted from a debt collection agency requesting me to pay back the money that I owe which includes the eBay fees that I have already paid plus the debt collection fee as well. I can easily pay it back but it’s the point that matters. Now my question is, is there anything I can do? Or will I now be forced to pay this back? I don’t understand how this is legal especially having to pay back the fees that have already been paid. I would really appreciate some advice, thanks.

[bloodys-59]

the account i am posting from is different to my original account as i have lost access to my old account since moving just to add.

[tressygirl]

Don't think it's wise to ignore a debt collecting message for payment.

I would pay this as you don't want a bad credit rating chasing you around the world.

With eBay,  return cases are all automated and weigh heavily in favor of the buyer.  If appeals later fail for an 'unjust refund' resulting in fees to be paid, no point challenging it, and as you have found, it can take time,  but eBay will chase those fees, and debt collectors are called in.

@bloodys-59 

[papso22]

The debt is due according to the user agreement you had with ebay when you sold the item.

You should pay it.

[dancewithadingo]

Good Morning Bloody

You are letting your pride and stubbornness cloud your judgement. You need to pay that asap otherwise that debt and problem will follow you around for years.

Don't cut off your nose to spite your face. To use your words 'I can easily pay it' then do so.

[*vyolla*]

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@bloodys-59 wrote:

 Now I have been contacted from a debt collection agency requesting me to pay back the money that I owe which includes the eBay fees that I have already paid plus the debt collection fee as well. I can easily pay it back but it’s the point that matters. Now my question is, is there anything I can do? Or will I now be forced to pay this back? I don’t understand how this is legal especially having to pay back the fees that have already been paid. I would really appreciate some advice, thanks.

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It's a legitimate debt that will just continue to grow, they won't just write it off. 

I recommend paying it rather than have it hanging over your head and being a constant background niggle.

[bloodys-59]

I guess i will just have to pay it as its not really worth trying to fight it. But just curious how this is according to the user agreement? The item wasnt returned in the same condition and also the buyer said that they used the item? then Ebay telling me to resell it as new when it has been used, i would be pretty mad if i bought an item that was meant to be new and it turned out to be used because someone had bathed in it...

[bloodys-59]

You’re right I am being stubborn, it hasn't affected my credit score but i would rather it didn't even though i don't live in the country anymore. Just annoyed i guess as the amount of times ive been scammed on ebay and they have sided with the buyer. Ive stopped selling on ebay so i guess i don't have to worry about being scammed anymore! Thanks for your advice 

[lucy_farmer]

'......then Ebay telling me to resell it as new when it has been used,.....'

Well that's just another example of ebay CS talking absolute rubbish.

In any other company, where employees regularly talked such rot, said employees would be dumped PDQ. In dear old ebay though, employees appear to be directed to say anything that will get the caller off the line as fast as possible!

(Your original probelm though ; yeah, as the guys above said, pay it 🙁 then never think about ebay again.....)